NIDS (Nepal Institute of Development Studies), a non governmental research organization established in 1998, has been focusing on prioritized issues which are associated to development of the country. NIDS contributes to the development process by conducting research, implementing effective programs to create environment through initiation, facilitation and coordination of activities and networking/lobbying and advocating on equitable development strategies.

Mission

Develop an integrated and sustainable development model suitable for Nepal.

Objectives

Contribute to socio-economic development by undertaking innovative research and supporting alternative development models.

'Migration between India and Nepal: How to improve situations of workers?'

A round table discussion on “Migration between India and Nepal: How to improve situations of workers?”wasorganized by NIDS in partnership with Foreign Employment Promotion Board on 3 September, 2014. The discussion covered a sensitive but critical issue of India-Nepal migrant workers. The objective of the session was therefore to create space to examine current migrant laws and create a policy platform to identify key challenges and generate a list of recommendations for the welfare and security of India-Nepal migrant workers. And also to initiate a dialogue for bringing issues of these migrant workers under national policy.

The meeting was concluded with the understanding that the 1950 India-Nepal friendship treaty has been beneficial to both nations in many ways, however the lack of priority to labor movement and safety is a pressing issues and therefore the treaty should be re-examined and amended to reflect such. Recognizing the importance of these challenges and proposing measures to address them is critical to safeguarding the millions of migrant workers in both countries.

In collaboration with UN Women and of Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agency (NAFEA), NIDS organized consultation on Implementation of Code of Conduct of strategy of NAFEA it has been eight years since the Code of Conduct of NAFEA is implemented. However, a more strategic and effective implementation would improve the image of the FEAs. Such an implementation would be beneficial for migrant workers too. Thus, consultation was organized to prepare the action plan based on CoC strategies and make agencies responsible and accountable towards migrant workers and their families, making foreign employment a respectable, professional and organized business, increase coordination and cooperation among the agencies, safeguard the rights of women workers in foreign employment.

The contribution of migration and remittances to the Nepali economy and society has increased significantly in the past one and half decades. Data and evidence show that migration and remittances have become important part of the economy and for livelihood of the people. Sources show, however, that informal channels dominate in some remittance corridors, like from India to Nepal. To address this situation, NIDS organized a program on "Remittances in Nepal: Opportunities and Challenges" for stakeholders such as Nepal Remitters Association, banks, money transfer companies, and other CSOs. The program was conducted to share ideas and knowledge on formalizing the channel of remittance transactions, especially from India. Mr. Bhishma Raj Dhungana of Nepal Rastra Bank and Mr. Suman Pokhrel of Nepal Remitters Association presented papers on the remittance business in Nepal.

In recent years the Nepali female migration rate has drastically increased. Due to a lack of informed choice based on correct information, these women are considered the most vulnerable migrant group, both in destination country and the country of origin. The recent Sita Rai (pseudonym) case is the one of the deplorable examples recognized by the stakeholders in migration. The Nepal Institute of Development Studies in collaboration with National Network for Safe Migration (NNSM) and Media Advocacy Group (MAG) and UN Women conducted an interaction program on "Women in Foreign Employment and Access to Justice". In the program, representatives from all departments related to migration updated their latest procedures for dealing with the women migrants. Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal Mr. Lila Mani Poudel was the chief guest of the program.

Women’s land right, in law and in practice, is an essential step towards the empowerment of women. It is also critical in determining economic wellbeing and social status of women. But usually it is found that there are provisions in laws but the ultimate beneficiaries are not aware of their rights and can not claim of the same. In an effort to exchange ideas and raise awareness on the legal provisions of women's property rights especially land rights, 'Meet the Expert' was organized in Tanahun and Kapilvastu districts in the month of June. This activity was structured as an open discussion program among the participants and the expert. As an expert, a lawyer having expertise on gender aspect as well, was invited to the program. Every discussion program went on for 4 to 5 hours. The IEC materials; fliers, bookmarks, calendars were also disseminated in the program. A documentary was also used in the beginning to start off the discussion. It is hoped that this type of intervention fosters awareness and sensibility on what land rights is all about, and what are the provisions in the constitution and policies.

In collaboration with the National Women Commission (NWC), an interaction seminar on women land rights was organized in May 17, 2010 at the premises of NWC, Singhadarbar, Kathmandu. With the objectives to make the stakeholders aware on the recommendations made by the then High Level Commission on Scientific Land Reform (HLCSLR) and collect the issues and perspectives on women's land rights further, the seminar was organized in the Chairmanship of the Hon. Chair of the NWC, Ms. Nainakala Thapa. Two papers with the focus on women's land rights and implementation were presented by the Chair of the NIDS, Dr. Jagannath Adhikari and Professor Dr. Meena Vaidya Malla. The recommendations of the HLCSLR, was presented by the then Hon. member of the HLCSLR, Ms. Radha Devi Bhattarai. Most of the partners of NIDS, political parties, representatives from the Ministry of Land Reform and Management, Chair of the Natural Resources and Revenue Committee, CA members, etc participated in the program. Women's land rights particularly the implementation part, was massively conversed and the participants put forward their views, perspectives and insights without any timidity.

'Dr. Ganesh Gurung appointed as Hon. Member of National Planning Commission'

The former Chair of NIDS, Dr. Ganesh Gurung has been appointed as Honourable Member of National Planning Commission (NPC). NIDS family would like to extend heartiest congratulations and bestwishes to Dr. Gurung for this new endeavour. He resigned from the position of Chair of NIDS on 15 April 2010 and the executive committee of NIDS has appointed Dr. Jagannath Adhikari as the new Chairperson.

Women’s land right, in law and in practice, is an essential step towards the empowerment of women. It is also critical in determining economic wellbeing and social status of women. In an effort to exchange ideas and raise awareness on this issue in a creative way, Lasanaa, in collaboration with NIDS, organized an art exhibition 'Kalalar ko aankhana bhumi (Land through the eyes of artist) in the NAFA Hall, Naxal, Kathmandu. A total of 26 artists and 2 poets were involved....

The Third Residential Training Workshop on Migration, Globalisation, Security and Development opened in Kathmandu on 9 March 2009 to enhance understanding of migration processes in International frameworks. The Minister for Labour and Transport Management of Government of Nepal Mr. Lekh Raj Bhatta inaugurated the session...

An Exhibition on Climate Change was organized at the International Mountain Museum (IMM), Pokhara, Kaski on 4th December 2008 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This exhibition was organized by Fredskorpset (FK) Network Nepal in collaboration with National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and SEWA, Nepal. The FK Network Nepal, however, initiated and took the lead in organizing this exhibition. FK Network Nepal is a network of Nepal partner organizations of FK Norway and the secretariat of the FK Network Nepal is being hosted from NIDS...